System and method for launching balls

ABSTRACT

An apparatus configured to launch balls may include a container configured to hold a plurality of balls; a plurality of launchers, each of the launchers configured to launch balls to a different location; and a controller configured to launch balls according to a pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/945,209 filed Dec. 8, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

For some sporting activities, such as tennis, squash, racket ball, etc., athletes may train with coaches, trainers, instructors, assistants, or other players to improve their abilities. In some training exercises, a coach may feed balls to a player to practice certain skills. For example, a coach may feed balls to a player in a variety of directions to train the player's ability to react, strike a ball from a particular court position, and recover for the next shot.

However, it may be difficult for a coach to feed balls accurately, consistently, and quickly enough to train the athlete to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, players without access to coaches may be unable to train in this manner. Improvements are desired in systems and methods of training a user by feeding balls to them.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a machine may be provided that is configured to launch balls or other objects toward a user. The machine may include a plurality of launchers, for example, 4 launchers. The machine may be configured to provide a wide variety of patterns and exercises that may help the player improve his or her speed and footwork on the court. Parameters of the machine, such as launch frequency, may be adjustable and may be set to, for example, a range of intervals from a first number to a second number. In some embodiments launch interval may be set so as to achieve a certain level of intensity of a workout. Other parameters, such as precision, launch height, depth, and direction may also be varied.

In some embodiments, launchers may be configured to have adjustable launching angles so as to achieve a wide range of variability and enhance player training possibilities. In some embodiments, launching angles of launchers may be set in advance. Properties of some launchers may be different from others. Some launchers may be configured to feed balls deep and to the back of a tennis court. For example, high-powered launchers may be provided. Some launchers may be configured to have ejection angles within a first predetermined range. The first predetermined range may correspond to a central baseline region. Meanwhile, some launchers may be configured to feed balls short and to the sides of the court. For example, medium-powered launchers may be provided that are angled to the sides. Some launchers may be configured to have ejection angles within a second predetermined range. The second predetermined range may correspond to a corner of a service box region.

The machine may enable a certain type of training. For example, the machine may feed balls to a broad range of locations on the court in quick succession and in a particular pattern. The machine may adjust the feed locations in accordance with a routine. The machine may feed balls in a directional pattern while cycling through various power settings. The machine may be configured to train an athlete's reaction and recovery abilities. The machine may be configured to feed balls to a wide range of locations on the court without requiring further equipment, such as an oscillator.

In some embodiments, a machine may be designed to have a shape and color similar to that of a tennis ball. An aesthetic of the machine may be matched to that of a particular sport for which training is desired. For example, a tennis themed machine may be provided. Or, a soccer themed machine, etc. may be provided.

In some embodiments, a machine may be accompanied by a basket configured to store balls. The basket may be configured to store, for example, 100 tennis balls to make the exercises more robust. The basket may include structures for enhancing the feeding of balls to the machine. For example, the basket may include a serpentine track. It may also include springs or other resilient members for urging balls toward launch chambers. One serpentine track may be provided for each launcher. Each serpentine track may be configured to hold, for example, approximately 25 balls that may be fed by gravity from a top of the machine to a launcher that is provided at a bottom of the machine.

In some embodiments, functions of the machine may be controlled by a portable electronic device. For example, the machine may be controlled by a cell phone application having features such as: the ability to design and select patterns, capture and play videos and exercise tutorials to share in a social media community, and provide a reward system for the player for mastering more patterns or exercises, etc.

As used herein, the term “or” shall encompass all possible combination. For example, if it is stated that a component includes A or B, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include A, or B, or A and B. As a second example, if it is stated that a component includes A, B, or C, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. Expressions such as “at least one of” do not necessarily modify an entirety of a following list and do not necessarily modify each member of the list, such that “at least one of A, B, and C” should be understood as including only one of A, only one of B, only one of C, or any combination of A, B, and C. The phrase “one of A and B” or “any one of A and B” shall be interpreted in the broadest sense to include one of A, or one of B.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view of an apparatus provided in a sports field, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view of a mobile device running an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view of an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view of an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view of an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a view of an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a view of an application for use with an apparatus for launching balls, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in more detail to certain exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The implementations discussed herein do not represent all possible implementations consistent with the invention. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses, systems, and methods consistent with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 1. Apparatus 1 includes a base 10, a top 20, and a launching face 100. Apparatus 1 may include a plurality of launchers. Launchers may be housed internal to apparatus 1. There may be provided a plurality of openings, such as launching ports. The plurality of openings may correspond to individual launchers. For example, FIG. 1 shows a first launcher 101, a second launcher 102, a third launcher 103, and a fourth launcher 104. Each launcher may have its own associated launching port. Launching ports may assist with guiding balls in a particular direction. Top 20 of apparatus 1 may be configured to resemble a tennis ball. In some embodiments, wheels may be attached to apparatus 1 at base 10. A hopper or basket may attach to apparatus 1 via top 20. Base 10 may be made relatively wide so that apparatus 1 is difficult to tip over. An aspect ratio of apparatus 1 may be such that apparatus 1 is wider than it is tall. The center of gravity of apparatus 1 may be made low to the ground. Launchers may be provided at a bottom region of apparatus 1.

Apparatus 1 may be configured to be deployed on a grounds for sports. FIG. 2 shows apparatus 1 on a tennis court 2. Apparatus 1 may be positioned on the same side of a net 4 as a player 3. Because balls do not need to travel over top of net 4 to reach player 3, trajectories of launchers in apparatus 1 may be made relatively low. Because apparatus 1 may be on the same side of the net as player 3, the time it takes the ball to reach player 3 may be shortened, and reaction time, footwork, etc. of player 3 may be trained more effectively. Rather than emphasizing aspects such as practice on ball striking, apparatus 1 may be used advantageously to train movement, footwork, court positioning awareness, etc.

Furthermore, apparatus 1 may be configured to feed balls having a predetermined pressure. In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may be configured to be loaded with and to launch balls having a reduced pressure. The balls may be dead balls. Using dead balls may be advantageous for certain types of training. For example, dead balls may have a lower bounce than new balls, and thus a player may need to run faster to reach a ball before it falls too low to hit.

In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may be positioned on an opposite side of net 4 from player 3. Trajectories and powers of launchers may be adjusted so that balls travel over net 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, apparatus 1 may be positioned so that launching face 100 faces player 3. Apparatus 1 may be aligned with an axis A1, wherein axis A1 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the court, e.g., along the center service line. There may be a plurality of feeding zones, e.g., 21, 22, 23, 24. Zone 21 may correspond to a baseline forehand striking zone, zone 22 may correspond to a baseline backhand striking zone, zone 23 may correspond to a forehand approach shot zone, and zone 24 may correspond to a backhand approach shot zone. Apparatus 1 may be configured to feed balls to each of the zones 21, 22, 23, 24. Apparatus 1 may cycle through feeding balls to the zones in a pattern. The pattern may be a predetermined pattern that may be configured to train particular skills. In some embodiments, the pattern may be random. For example, in a “random” mode, launchers may launch balls to random locations and a player may not easily predict the next location of a launched ball. Apparatus 1 may feed balls to the different zones in quick succession so that player 3 must cover a broad area of the court.

First launcher 101 of apparatus 1 may be configured to launch a first ball at a first angle with respect to axis A1. For example, first launcher 101 of apparatus 1 may launch the first ball to zone 21. An angle formed by the trajectory of the first ball sent to zone 21 and axis A1 may be a relatively shallow angle, such as about 30 degrees. Third launcher 103 of apparatus 1 may be configured to launch a second ball at a second angle with respect to axis A1, the second angle being greater than the first angle. For example, third launcher 103 of apparatus 1 may launch the second ball to zone 23. An angle formed by the trajectory of the second ball sent to zone 23 may be greater than the first angle, such as about 45 degrees.

Apparatus 1 may be placed a certain distance from net 4. In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may be placed at the service T. In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may be arranged in a region Z1 between net 4 and the service line.

FIG. 3 shows another view of apparatus 1. FIG. 3 may correspond to a side view of apparatus 1. Some components of apparatus 1 are labeled. Each of the launchers associated with launcher 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be configured to hold at least one ball. In some embodiments, each launcher (e.g., 101, 102, 103, 104) may be associated with a zone (e.g., 21, 22, 23, 24, as in FIG. 2, respectively). Each of the launchers may be loaded with a ball so that the ball is ready to be launched. Because a plurality of launchers is provided, each of which may have a ball preloaded, a ball can be launched from one launcher and then a subsequent ball can be launched shortly thereafter. The machine may launch a ball from one launcher while another launcher is reloading. In some embodiments, launchers may operate independently from one another. Multiple launchers may operate at the same time, for example.

Launchers may be associated with a particular zone. For example, launcher 101 may correspond to a first baseline zone. Launching Launcher 102 may correspond to a second baseline zone. Launcher 103 may correspond to a first service line zone, which may be on the same side of the court as the first baseline zone (e.g., deuce side). Launcher 104 may correspond to a second service line zone, which may be on the same side of the court as the second baseline zone (e.g., ad side).

Launchers may be implemented in a variety of forms. In some embodiments, launchers may use compressed air or other gas to propel balls. In some embodiments, launchers may include electromechanical launching devices. In some embodiments, launchers may include a rotation disc (e.g., a flywheel) or belt. Launchers may be powered by a battery. A launcher may be used such as that discussed in U.S. Pub. No. 2020/0360792.

Apparatus 1 may include a controller. The controller may include an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may include a programming card. The ECU may be programmed to launch balls according to a pattern. The pattern may include a plurality of patterns. The ECU may communicate wirelessly with an application, such as a cell phone application, that may issue commands to apparatus 1. Alternative or in addition to an ECU, an actuator may be provided that controls the launching of balls by the launchers. For example, a mechanism may be configured to trigger the launchers mechanically.

Methods of training may be adapted for a single user or multiple users. Because multiple launchers may be provided, and because balls may be launched in quick succession, or even simultaneously, multiple users may be trained at the same time. For example, students may line up in two lines and may train on respective halves of the court with one machine.

As shown in FIG. 3, apparatus 1 may include wheels 30. Wheels 30 may be attached to apparatus 1 at base 10. Wheels 30 may include a first wheel 31 and a second wheel 32 (see FIG. 4). Wheels 30 may be configured for heavy duty use. For example, fixed rear wheels for all types of terrain of approximately 10 cm in diameter may be provided.

Apparatus 1 may include a handle 51. Apparatus 1 may be configured to be tilted via handle 51 so that apparatus 1 pivots on wheels 30. Apparatus 1 may be moved by pushing or pulling apparatus 1 while in a tilted state.

Patterns of launching balls may be provided. Patterns may include, for example, launching balls from launchers 101-104 in various permutations.

Patterns may be drawn to particular training exercises (e.g., skills). Patterns may correspond to particular placement of apparatus 1 at various locations around the court. For example, some patterns may be configured to be performed when apparatus 1 is placed at the service T. Some patterns may be configured to be performed when apparatus 1 is placed next to the net. Because apparatus 1 includes multiple launchers that may each be varied, as well as the location of apparatus 1 and the selected patterns, numerous possibilities for training routines are possible.

Patterns may be customizable. Users may build their own patterns. Furthermore, some patterns may be configured to be performed with props or other training aids, such as cones. The ECU may come preloaded with a database of commonly used training aids. Players may customize patterns based on their own training aids as well. A social media community may be provided for enabling interaction with other players and their created patterns. The social media community may feature patterns (e.g., a pattern of the week).

In some embodiments, trajectories of ball launching may be adjusted for volleys. Patterns may be specially configured for volleys. In volley mode, balls may be launched higher so as to be in a volley striking zone of the user. Some patterns may be adapted for volleys., e.g., a forehand-backhand stroke drill may be adjusted to a forehand-backhand volley drill. Furthermore, a height of volleys may be adjusted. Lob modes may also be provided.

FIG. 4 shows another view of apparatus 1. FIG. 4 may correspond to a rear view of apparatus 1. Apparatus 1 may include a display 60. Display 60 may include a touch screen. A user may manipulate apparatus 1 using display 60. For example, a trainer may make selection and adjust modes using display 60 while an athlete is being trained on the court as balls are launched from apparatus 1. In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may be controlled by a separate device (e.g., a mobile device).

Apparatus 1 may include a port 70. Port 70 may include a battery port and an outlet for charging. Port 70 may be configured to provide access to an interior of apparatus 1. Port 70 may be environmentally sealed. ECU of apparatus 1 may be included in port 70 and may be accessed through port 70.

As shown in FIG. 1, apparatus 1 may include a container (basket 40). Basket 40 may include a hopper. Basket 40 may include a serpentine track. A plurality of serpentine tracks may be provided, e.g., one for each launcher. Balls may be loaded from a top of apparatus 1 and may work their way down to launchers primarily by gravity. Apparatus 1 may include a cover 41. Balls may be loaded via cover 41. Cover 41 may be a removable cover. Cover 41 may include a resilient flap that opens when a ball is pushed against it and closes to seal apparatus 1 from the environment. A basket connection may also be provided. Covers may be configured to protect apparatus 1 from water and dust where basket 40 joins other parts of apparatus 1.

Apparatus 1 may include a main cover. For example, the upper front part of apparatus 1 may include a removable cover or lid for easy access and cleaning of debris (e.g., fuzz or hair from tennis balls) from various components.

In some embodiments, one or more launchers internal to apparatus 1 may be configured to launch balls from a plurality of launching ports. For example, one launching mechanism may be provided in apparatus 1 that is configured to propel balls toward different directions. Balls may be guided from the launcher to exit apparatus 1 from a plurality of launching ports.

In some embodiments, basket 40 may include a cover that can be opened and closed. Dividers may be provided inside basket 40 that may be configured to guide balls within basket 40. Also, there may be one or more openings formed in a bottom of basket 40. Basket 40 may be configured to pick up balls via the one or more openings in the bottom of basket 40.

In some embodiments, basket 40 may be detachable from apparatus 1. Basket 40 may include legs that can be rotated to form handles for carrying basket 40. Balls may be picked up by placing basket 40 directly over a ball. For example, an opening on the bottom of basket 40 may be sized such that a ball may enter an under side of basket 40 when basket 40 is pressed on the ball with sufficient pressure.

In some embodiments, launching port covers may be provided on apparatus 1. A cover for each launcher may be provided to protect from water or dust. Covers may be removable.

Apparatus 1 may include an internal ball feeding mechanism. In some embodiments, a ball guide may include an active device configured to feed balls to individual launchers. Apparatus 1 may include an internal container that may narrow to a channel. The channel may be configured so that only one ball passes through at a time. A cross-sectional size of the channel may be made approximately the same or slightly larger than a ball.

Also, a feeder may be provided. The feeder may be configured to guide balls input therein to a plurality of different locations. The feeder may be configured to output balls to each of a plurality of launchers connected to the feeder. The feeder may be included in the ball guide. In some embodiments, the feeder may be provided between basket 40 and an internal storage space of apparatus 1. The feeder may enhance the ability of apparatus 1 to operate while preventing jams. Efficient use may be made of balls stored in storage spaces. Furthermore, balls may be transferred from unused areas to others. In some embodiments, the feeder may include a serpentine track. A plurality of serpentine tracks may be provided (e.g., one for each launcher).

Reference will now be made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a mobile device running an application (“app”), consistent with embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, a mobile device 200 may be provided. Mobile device 200 and apparatus 1 may be configured to interact with one another. The application may be configured to pair mobile device 200 and apparatus 1. The application may connect mobile device 200 to apparatus 1 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, etc. ECU of apparatus 1 may control or be controlled by mobile device 200.

The application may provide a graphical user interface that is displayed on mobile device 200. The application may allow a user to select and manipulate patterns. Users can choose the pattern they want the machine to run, selecting the launcher through an interactive drawing of the machine in the application. The app may display court locations.

Various parameters of apparatus 1 may be manipulated via the application. For example, the application may determine launch frequency of balls to be delivered to the user. In some embodiments, the launch frequency may be 0.5, 1, 2, and up to 3 seconds, for example.

Further parameters include, for example, quantity: The user can choose the amount of up to a predetermined number that each launcher can throw. The predetermined number may be 25 balls per launcher.

The application may also provide tutorials. Tutorials may explain each of the basic launching patterns or variations.

The application may be configurable. In a configuration mode, parameters may be adjusted according to, for example, measurements, player profiles, number of players, etc.

The application may include social networking functions. The application may provide a profile picture, information (age, place, level, etc.), followers and following, notifications, videos, exercises (log), history (track progress), favorite patterns, rewards (T-shirts, hats, being feature on the social media page of the machine etc.), invented patterns, shared videos.

The application may support filming. A button may be provided to record during exercises or download videos on mobile or share. A mount may be provided on apparatus 1 for a recording device to be mounted upon. For example, a holder for a mobile device may be provided on apparatus 1.

A community may be provided. The application may provide functionality to discover, upload and share videos of launching patterns or new exercises with more users that on social networks, will have a filter to search for videos like, most viewed, most recent, my videos, tutorials, etc.

Although described above with reference to mobile device 200, the application may also be accessed through display 60 that may be physically on apparatus 1.

Apparatus 1 may be configured to be used with a plurality of users. Different players may have different preferences, different training programs, and may require different settings. Apparatus 1 may be configured to adjust parameters according to a recognized user. The application may store user profiles of a plurality of users. A user may be recognized by, for example, a camera mounted on apparatus 1. When a plurality of users use apparatus 1 in quick succession (e.g., in a group training setting), apparatus 1 may automatically recognize different users as they come into position for interacting with apparatus 1, and apparatus 1 may adjust parameters so that balls launched to the currently recognized user are tailored to that user. Apparatus 1 may also monitor the user's performance for the period the user uses apparatus 1 and update information associated with that user (e.g., progression in the user's training program).

Apparatus 1 may store setting information respectively in association with a plurality of users, and may read out setting information for a respective user when it is determined that the user is using apparatus 1. It may be determined that a particular user is using apparatus 1 when that user is standing in front of apparatus 1 (e.g., the user is aligned with axis A1). When users are changed (e.g., the next user in line waiting to use apparatus 1 steps to the front of the line), apparatus 1 may recognize the new user and adjust parameters accordingly. Apparatus 1 may store information with respect to each user. Apparatus 1 may cycle through users using apparatus 1 in a single training session and may run through different training programs with respect to each of the users, all while smoothly transitioning between the different users as they use apparatus 1 in a single training session. Apparatus 1 may omit the need for troublesome setting operations each time a user is changed.

Although examples are discussed herein with reference to tennis, a machine may be applied to other sports, such as racket ball, squash, badminton, baseball, cricket, lacrosse, soccer, etc. Furthermore, an apparatus may be configured to launch other objects besides balls.

EXAMPLES

Patterns may be configured such that a machine is programmed to launch from 1 up to 4 different directions without the need to reprogram the launcher like conventional tennis launchers that only launch in one direction and must be reprogrammed to launch in another direction. In some embodiments, the different directions may be fixed due to, e.g., configuration of launching ports. Launching in different directions may be achieved by launching from different ports.

A machine may be programmed with hundreds of preloaded launching patterns on its internal memory and on its app where players of the levels of beginners, intermediate and advanced, can choose the launching patterns that accommodate to their levels of tennis.

Basic types of Patterns with Two Launchers:

Groundstrokes:

One deep ball to the forehand and one deep ball to the backhand.

One ball to the forehand and one ball to the backhand over the baseline.

One short ball to the forehand and one short ball to the backhand.

One deep ball to the forehand and one short ball to the forehand.

One deep ball to the backhand and one short ball to the backhand.

One deep ball to the forehand and one short ball to the backhand.

One deep ball to the backhand and one short ball to the forehand.

One deep ball inside in/out to the forehand and one short ball inside in/out to the forehand.

One deep ball inside in/out to the forehand and one short ball to the forehand.

One short ball inside in/out to the forehand and one deep ball to the forehand.

One deep ball inside in/out to the forehand and one short ball to the backhand.

One short ball inside in/out to the forehand and one deep ball to the backhand.

Basic types of Patterns with Three Launchers:

One deep forehand, one short forehand and one forehand inside in/out.

One short forehand, one deep forehand inside in/out and one short forehand inside in/out.

One short forehand inside in/out, one deep forehand inside in/out and one short forehand.

One short forehand inside in/out, one deep forehand inside in/out and one deep forehand.

One deep forehand, one short forehand and one deep backhand.

One deep forehand, one short forehand and one short backhand.

One deep forehand, one deep backhand and one short backhand.

One short forehand, one deep backhand and one short backhand.

Basic types of Patterns with Four Launchers:

One deep forehand, one short forehand, one deep backhand one short backhand.

One deep forehand, one deep backhand, one short forehand, one short backhand.

One deep forehand, one short forehand, one deep inside in/out forehand, one short inside in/out forehand.

One deep inside in/out forehand, one short inside in/out forehand, one short backhand, one deep backhand.

Volleys and Overheads with Two Launchers:

One deep forehand volley and one deep backhand volley.

One short forehand volley and one short backhand volley.

One deep forehand volley and one short forehand volley.

One deep backhand volley and one short backhand volley.

One deep forehand volley and one short backhand volley.

One deep backhand volley and one short forehand volley.

One deep forehand volley and one overhead.

One short forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand volley and one overhead.

One short backhand volley and one overhead.

Volleys and Overheads with Three Launchers:

One deep forehand volley, one deep backhand volley and one overhead.

One short forehand volley, one short backhand volley and one overhead.

One deep forehand volley, one short backhand volley and one overhead.

One short forehand volley, one deep backhand volley and one overhead.

One deep forehand volley, one short forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand volley, one short backhand volley and one overhead.

Groundstrokes, Volleys and Overhead with Two, Three and Four Launchers:

Two Launchers

One short forehand and one forehand volley.

One short forehand and one backhand volley.

One short backhand and one backhand volley.

One short backhand and one forehand volley.

Three Launchers

One short forehand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

One short forehand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

One short backhand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

One short backhand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

Four Launchers

One deep forehand, one short forehand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep forehand, one short forehand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

One deep forehand, one short backhand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep forehand, one short backhand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand, one short forehand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand, one short forehand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand, one short backhand, one forehand volley and one overhead.

One deep backhand, one short backhand, one backhand volley and one overhead.

In some embodiments, a machine may launch at different heights without the need to manually readjust.

Machine can launch at different locations without the need to readjust.

Machine can launch balls at different times without the need to readjust.

Multiple and different strokes can be practiced all over the court without the need to readjust.

Configuration may be set such that player will never hit a ball in a static position.

Machine launches in a time similar to the time in which a ball travels in a tennis match.

Side to side launching patterns make training more similar to real tennis match.

Launching system will help player practice different strokes that may be similar to the variation of strokes that can be hit during a point in a match.

Make simulations, run a routine. With variations, and not always the same shot.

Gatling Dead Ball Exercises

In some embodiments, apparatus 1 may operate in a gatling mode.

Apparatus 1 may be configured to simulate dead ball exercises. Dead ball exercises may include exercises where a tennis coach feeds balls by hand to the player. In some embodiments, the balls may be reduced pressure balls. In some embodiments, the coach may feed the balls lightly so as to simulate balls with a low bounce.

Dead Ball Exercises may Enable the Following Aspects:

Noble bounce: This type of bounce will ease more accurate footwork adjustments for the player.

Precision: Will ensure a more accurate placement of the ball on a specific spot on the tennis court.

Timing: Easier to controlled and vary the time in which the ball is being fed, for example, feeding a ball every second, every two second, every 3 seconds.

Height: Easier to control heights, for example, low height balls, medium height balls, high balls.

Depth: Easier to determine the depth in which the ball is being fed, for example one ball that bounces deep on the court or one ball that bounces short on the court.

Variation: Easier to change placement, timing and height.

Direction: Easier to make the ball travel and force the player to move in specific directions, for example, towards the front, towards the side, towards the back.

Specific stroke: For more accurate and comfortable technical repetition of a specific stroke, for example one low short forehand with an open stance.

Multiple strokes: Multiple strokes can be practiced more technically accurate, for example, one forehand and one backhand or one volley and one overhead or many more combinations of multiple strokes in a specific way.

Quick feed: For stationary exercises dropping balls next to the players in which one ball is coming after another in a specific frequency without stopping for a certain number of repetitions where the final goal is to help the player accelerate the racquet as fast as possible.

Apparatus 1 may be configured to control and vary various parameters and specifications, such as those discussed above, with ease. An apparatus consistent with some embodiments of the disclosure may enable, for example:

-   -   Launcher will determine the direction and precision of the ball         on the court.     -   Timing and quick feed will determine by the frequencies that         variate from 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 seconds.     -   Height will be determined by the angle adjuster.     -   Depth will be determined by the speed of the motor.     -   Variation will be determined by the combinations of launcher,         height and frequency.     -   Specific and multiple strokes will be determined by the amount         of launcher being used.

Dead ball exercises are a very specific type of exercise that may help develop and improve a specific part of tennis technique or footwork. A controllable feeding technique focused on dead ball exercises may ensure that the repetitions of the exercise are highly consistent and equal in order for muscle memory to be developed effectively.

Apparatus Placement on Tennis Court

In some embodiments, the primary placement of an apparatus (e.g., a Gatling) on the tennis court may be on the same side as the players or on the known tennis mark, the “T”.

The main goal that Gatling is trying to deliver may be that by having such proximity to the player (e.g., 18 ft), it will ensure a quicker feeding frequency rather than a fast speed feed.

Having Gatling placed this close on the tennis court will give less time to the players to react helping the player to be alert and ready all the time without having to wait too long for the next ball to travel all across the court.

The placement of Gatling on the “T” will ensure that with its four launchers, balls will be fed towards all the areas in which a player basically moves on the court when hitting groundstrokes.

For example, second and third launchers will cover the area where short balls bounce which is between service line and ¾ of the court.

First and fourth launchers will cover the area where deep balls bounce which is between ¾ and base line. First to fourth launchers may include or be covered by launchers 101, 102, 103, and 104 (see FIG. 1).

Covering these two areas will help the players learn how to move and place his/her body on each of them.

The secondary placement of Gatling on the tennis court may be next to the tennis net, with this position on court, volleys and overhead can be practiced.

For example, Launchers 1 and 4 may be used to feed volleys and launchers 2 and 3 may be used to hit overheads or vice versa.

This placement will help the player learn how to cover, position and play in the area known as the service boxes.

These two basic placements of Gatling on the tennis court will cover all the areas on the tennis court that the players need to learn how to move and play on.

There are many more places on the court where Gatling may be place on to work on specific tennis drills and or footwork adjustment. The options for places on which Gatling can be placed are endless.

Gatling can also be placed on the other side of the net. 

What it claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to launch objects, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to hold a plurality of objects; a plurality of launchers, each of the launchers configured to launch objects to a different location; and a controller configured to launch objects according to a pattern.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the objects include tennis balls.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pattern is a predetermined pattern stored in a memory of the controller.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pattern includes instructions for the apparatus to perform: launching a first ball from a first launcher of the plurality of launchers to a first location; launching a second ball from a second launcher of the plurality of launchers to a second location, wherein an interval between launching the first ball and launching the second ball is less than or equal to a first value.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is aligned with an axis, the first launcher is configured to launch the first ball at a first angle with respect to the axis, and the second launcher is configured to launch the second ball at a second angle with respect to the axis, the second angle being greater than the first angle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first value is 0.5 seconds.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to store setting information respectively in association with a plurality of users.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pattern includes a plurality of patterns, each of the patterns corresponding to a training exercise.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first launcher is configured to feed balls to a distant location and the second launcher is configured to feed balls to a proximal location.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first launcher is configured to feed balls to a baseline location and the second launcher is configured to feed balls to a service box corner location.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the launchers is configured to feed balls with a different power.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to launch balls to a user on a same side of a net of a tennis court as the apparatus.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container includes a detachable hopper.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of launchers in configured to have an adjustable ejection angle.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a single housing configured to accommodate the plurality of launchers.
 16. A method of launching balls, the method comprising: launching a first ball, by a first launcher, to a first location; launching a second ball, by a second launcher, to a second location different from the first location; wherein an interval between launching the first ball and launching the second ball is set to a predetermined value.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein balls are launched according to a predetermined pattern.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: changing a parameter of a ball launching apparatus based on a user determined to be using the ball launching apparatus.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a feeder configured to supply balls to each of the plurality of launchers, the feeder comprising a serpentine track.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller includes an electronic control unit configured to communicate with a mobile device. 